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$2.8M to CUC for long-term disaster resiliency
Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres announced yesterday that $2,812,288 has been awarded to the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. through the CNMI Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Office for the long-term resiliency of the islands’ power infrastructure against typhoons and natural disasters.
The grant was awarded by the Federal Management Agency following Typhoon Soudelor in 2015. Since then, Torres has directed the CNMI Public Assistance Office to work on hazard mitigation grant applications provided under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
“$2.8 million is the more accurate figure that was awarded to CUC for the upgrade of their power infrastructure so that our community is more resilient for future disasters. Just last week, in addition to the $2.1 million awarded, the administration received $685,801.32 for CUC. It remains a commitment of this administration to continue to upgrade our entire Commonwealth so that we are better prepared for the future,” said Virginia Villagomez, the governor’s authorized representative.
Torres noted that since the initial recovery phase following Typhoon Soudelor, the Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Office has remained consistent in going after additional funding for long-term disaster resiliency.
“Our Public Assistance Office has worked very hard over the last few years to secure more funding for not only CUC, but also for other grants awards under the Stafford Act, which include infrastructure and facilities damaged during Typhoon Soudelor, as well as funding for our existing public facilities to withstand disasters. They are a vital reason why we have over $40 million committed to date for strengthening our Commonwealth’s infrastructure. The collaborative work with agencies such as CUC is a reflection of their commitment to protecting our communities on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota for the long-term,” Torres added. (PR)
